The researchers identified a significant correlation between retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry and the MRI and 18FDG-PET parameters found to be related to brain neurodegeneration. There was a correlation between retinal sensitivity and cognitive status (normocognitive > MCI > AD; P < 0.001).

"Our results suggest that retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry is related to brain neurodegeneration and could be a useful biomarker for identifying type 2 diabetes patients at risk of developing AD," the authors write.